Penn State will add some history to its Beaver Stadium arrival parade Saturday, bringing lettermen along for the ride.

Coach James Franklin said that, to celebrate homecoming, the first bus of the team’s traveling party will feature former football players. The lettermen will participate in Penn State’s pregame walk into the stadium, which has become a tradition under Franklin.

“I thought that would be a really nice thing for us to do every single year on homecoming,” Franklin said.

Penn State hosts Michigan State in its annual homecoming game, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. The team arrives at Beaver Stadium 2.5 hours before kickoff, entering through a tunnel of fans. It has become a popular, and loud, pregame activity.

Franklin has tried to make Penn State’s Letterman’s Club a priority since becoming head coach, inviting former players to practices and back for offseason training. The coach called his new tradition a way to say thanks.

“Obviously we have so much respect and appreciation for our lettermen,” Franklin said. “It's another way to show our respect to them and honor them in a way.”

The lettermen will get one bus in the arrival party.

“First come, first served,” Franklin said. “Once the bus is full, the bus is full.”

Penn State drew a large crowd for its arrival Saturday night at Beaver Stadium prior to the Ohio State game.

Penn State drew a large crowd for its arrival Saturday night at Beaver Stadium prior to the Ohio State game.

All-in on the “lion” package

Penn State’s “lion” package didn’t fare well in its 2018 debut against Ohio State, losing 12 yards on three plays. One produced a 13-yard loss when backup quarterback Tommy Stevens dropped a lateral from quarterback Trace McSorley.

Despite that, Franklin said the package remains a priority.

“We feel great about it,” the coach said. “The lion package has been pretty darn good to us. We’ll continue to commit to that.”

Penn State worked Stevens into the offense last year, when he was one of two players (with Saquon Barkley) with rushing, passing and receiving touchdowns. Stevens averaged 8.1 yards per carry entering this season.

After missing the first four games because of a preseason injury, Stevens returned to the lion position (which Franklin created to designate Stevens as a starter) against the Buckeyes. Ohio State didn’t bite, stuffing Stevens for a 1-yard loss on his first attempt.

Then came the throwback, which might have produced a touchdown pass for Stevens had the initial throw connected. McSorley said play execution, and not the call, was responsible.

“I’ve got to give him a better throw, and his first words to me were, ‘I’ve got to catch that,’” McSorley said. “His role in that lion spot is going to continue. We’re going to be able to do some cool things and put defenses in binds in multiple ways.”

An offensive lineman shifts to defense

Redshirt freshman C.J. Thorpe has had some dominant moments on the offensive line, notably one against Pitt in which he drove a linebacker 10 yards back and into the ground. Offensive line coach Matt Limegrover shared the clip on Twitter.

Now, with his defensive line facing a depth shortage, Franklin has shifted the 323-pound Thorpe to tackle. Thorpe switched Sunday before the Ohio State game, making his defensive debut in the second half.

Franklin called that feat “impressive enough,” since Thorpe practiced defense for four days. He’ll stay on defense for the rest of the season, though Franklin considers Thorpe’s future to be on offense.

“He is a big, strong aggressive, powerful, violent kid with a motor,” Franklin said. “You see it on offense, and that's why the offensive coaches weren't real fired up about losing him. And I would still make the argument, his greatest long-term potential is on the offensive side of the ball. … It just came to the point where we had a need, a more urgent, pressing need [on defense].”

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Penn State's fifth-year seniors, including quarterback Trace McSorley, leave Beaver Stadium for the last time following their 38-3 win over Maryland.

Penn State's fifth-year seniors, including quarterback Trace McSorley, leave Beaver Stadium for the last time following their 38-3 win over Maryland.

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Penn State's fifth-year seniors, including quarterback Trace McSorley, leave Beaver Stadium for the last time following their 38-3 win over Maryland.

Penn State's fifth-year seniors, including quarterback Trace McSorley, leave Beaver Stadium for the last time following their 38-3 win over Maryland.

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Penn State coach James Franklin describes watching his seniors take a victory lap following their 38-3 win over Maryland.

Penn State coach James Franklin describes watching his seniors take a victory lap following their 38-3 win over Maryland.

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Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley describes his final moments at Beaver Stadium following a 38-3 win over Maryland.

Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley describes his final moments at Beaver Stadium following a 38-3 win over Maryland.

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Penn State senior Nick Scott explains why he remained committed to the program after James Franklin became head coach in 2014.

Penn State senior Nick Scott explains why he remained committed to the program after James Franklin became head coach in 2014.